Steroids are extremely effective in relieving pain and inflammation in the body, and they can be life saving. 

They are normally administered for conditions such as arthritis, asthma and eczema. However, as with most drugs, they come with side effects, such as weight gain.

What Are Steroids?

Steroids, or corticosteroids, are anti-inflammatory drugs. There are many types and they are sold under various brand names:

• Prednisone (Deltasone, Sterapred)

• Methylprednisolone (Medrol)

• Prenisolone (Prelone, Pediapred)

• Dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadron)

• Hydrocortisone (Acticort, Cortef)

How Do Steroids Cause Weight Gain?

Steroids affect sodium (salt) balance and, hence, increase fluid retention. They cause weight gain by increasing appetite and re-deposition of fat around the neck and abdomen. Because of chronic inflammation and pain, you will be less active and this will also contribute to weight gain.

How Do You Manage Weight Gain?

There is no easy road to losing weight from the side effects of steroids. However, there are six steps you can take to manage it:

Step 1: Plan Your Meals

Be aware of the amount of calories in the food you are eating. You will then be able to reduce the total amount of calories you normally consume by 10-20%. You can search online to obtain the calorie content of the food you normally eat. Counting calories is a method of weight loss.

Step 2: Eat A Healthy Diet

One major side effect is an increase in appetite. So, it is important that you eat a healthy diet of low-calorie but nutrient-dense food. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and lean protein. Start the day with a high-protein breakfast to kick-start the body’s metabolism. Take plenty of Omega-3 good fat from olive oil, salmon and other oily fish or Omega-3 supplements.

Step 3: Reduce Sugar

Sugar in the diet increases insulin imbalance and fat deposition. Besides sugary beverages, sugar normally comes from simple carbohydrates, such as starchy food, white rice, potatoes, noodles, cakes, pastries and biscuits. Therefore, ensure you eat more complex carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, sweet potatoes, tapioca and whole grains.

Step 4: Salt And Water

Drink plenty of water to control fluid retention. Also control the amount of sodium (salt) intake to control fluid retention. Water is also a natural pain-killer: you need an average of 30ml per kilogram of body weight.

Step 5: Exercise

Pain in joints, or any other area, due to inflammation may determine the type of exercise that is suitable to the particular conditions. Walking, swimming and yoga should be considered as they are not high impact and can be low intensity.

If there is no pain, then weight training and aerobic exercise will help to burn fat. The key is to do it regularly – at least five times a week.

Step 6: Detox

Cleanse the digestive system and detox the liver to reduce toxins in the body. Reducing toxin load will help to reduce inflammation and pain, which reduces the requirement for steroids.

Steroids may save lives but the side effects of weight gain must be managed properly. Follow the above steps and you will be on your way towards recovery.

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